From Lions to Pangolins: An Artist's Wild Journey to Mozambique

Niassa...one of the last great wilderness areas on earth. The most important protected area in Mozambique and critical to the global conservation of African wildlife, it covers more than 16,000 square miles. Despite its size and critical importance, it is little known internationally. AFC Artist Becci Crowe undertook the long journey to this remote area to raise awareness and support the work of Dr. Colleen Begg of the Niassa Lion/Carnivore Project as they face the day to day challenges of conservation on the front lines.

After years of travel in Africa this was an experience like no other. While evading middle of the night invasions of Army Ants in her tent, Crowe participated in and documented the daily challenges and accomplishments of the Niassa team. One of the unique and poignant highlights was accompanying a juvenile Pangolin, rescued from poachers, into the bush at night under the protection of an armed scout for nightly forages to prepare him for his ultimate release and life in the wild.

"As an Artist active in conservation it's as important for me to be in the field as it is in my Studio." But now back in her studio the work continues as Crowe raises awareness and funds through video and photo presentations and her Niassa Art Series which portrays the many species and ecosystems impacted by the Niassa Lion Project beyond carnivores in this critical wilderness.